Blogs

David A. Hinson, MBDA National Director, was selected as one of Diversity Plus magazine’s 2013 Top 30 Champions of Diversity. Hinson was selected for his demonstrated leadership, and for going above and beyond to mentor and assist with the growth of minority-owned firms. Diversity Plus acknowledged the fact that since the start of the Obama Administration, MBDA has helped minority-owned businesses access $14.6 billion in contracts and capital (through fiscal year 2012). This represents a 108 percent increase over the prior administration. The Agency’s clients have also created and saved nearly 40,000 jobs, making the four years under Hinson’s leadership the best performing years in MBDA’s 44-year history.

The SelectUSA 2013 Investment Summit is at capacity, but that doesn’t mean investors around the world who couldn’t register can’t be a part of the event.

If you haven’t heard, we’ll be pairing investors from around the world with federal and state leaders to find the best investment opportunities in the country. Economic development organizations (EDOs) representatives from 47 states, three U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C., will be there. Companies representing 60 worldwide markets will be in attendance.

Location: Washington, D.C.; San Diego, Sacramento and San Francisco, CA

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is supporting a regional Reverse Trade Mission (RTM) intended to introduce 13 officials and project developers in the waste-to-energy and related biomass power subsector in Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand to relevant U.S. industry suppliers, service providers and regulators. This regional activity will support USTDA's effort as part of the U.S.-ASEAN Connectivity Cooperation Initiative as well as the U.S.-Asia-Pacific Comprehensive Energy Partnership.

There will be a Business Briefing for U.S. companies to meet with the delegates in order to learn more about specific project opportunities and upcoming procurements on Tuesday, Nov. 12th in San Francisco, CA.

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation held their first Hispanic Business Community Awards celebration Oct. 23 at the Capital One Bank headquarters in McLean, Va. The awards recognized the impact of Latino business leaders on the Greater Washington, DC community.

Alejandra Y. Castillo, MBDA National Deputy Director, was one of five awardees honored at the event. Castillo received the Public Service Leadership award.

“I’m very honored to receive this award,” she said. “I have a rewarding job where every day I come to work and have the unique privilege of honoring my father. He emigrated from the Dominican Republic and started his own business. That’s what inspires me to help minority-owned companies grow their own business.”

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker also congratulated Castillo on the recognition.

“I am happy to congratulate MBDA National Deputy Director Alejandra Y. Castillo on receiving the Hispanic Business Community Award for Public Service Leadership,” said Pritzker. “The Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s recognition of Ms. Castillo’s leadership and critical work is a testament to the service and dedication of our Commerce Department employees.”

October is Energy Awareness month, and it’s a great opportunity to look around your office for ways to save energy.

Why do some companies save more than others? One reason is how they approach energy management. Companies that follow a few basic principles achieve greater savings. If you are serious about reducing energy use, you can apply these principles and save!

Make energy a priority

Start saving energy by making it a priority for everyone in the company.

Assign responsibility

Someone has to be responsible for energy. Initially, this might be a designated energy champion. Over time, responsibility can be expanded to a team of people.